Materials Planner

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. in Smithfield, VA invites applications for a Materials Planner responsible for master scheduling, inventory planning, and supply coordination across manufacturing facilities and distribution centers.

The role emphasizes balancing internal and external raw material procurement, coordinating with suppliers, and driving cost-efficient production while meeting service levels. Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills, APICS knowledge, and 2+ years in planning are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management or related field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in supply chain, operations, planning and inventory control.
• Proficient in Excel & PowerPoint.
• APICS certification preferred, CPIM or CSCP a plus.

Responsibilities

• Scheduling, master scheduling, replenishment, and inventory management metrics.
• Own and manage the STO lifecycle from creation to closure.
• Oversee inventory levels at distribution centers and plants.
• Collaborate with suppliers and partners to improve efficiency and resolve shortages.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management

Tools

SAP

Planning software

Job description

## Materials PlannerApply: Onsite: Smithfield, VA: Full time: Posted Today: R-2026-10306**If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.**Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. **Apply Now!****THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:***The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.*Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in supply chain management? As a Materials Planner, you will be responsible for making strategic sourcing decisions, determining the optimal balance between internal and external raw material procurement while exceeding key performance metrics.Your role will involve planning production capacity with precision—balancing inventory capital costs, capacity constraints, plant efficiencies, and customer fill rate objectives. You will oversee inventory planning at manufacturing facilities and third-party distribution centers to ensure seamless operations supporting Smithfield Foods.In addition, you will act as the key liaison for supply chain projects, coordinating efforts with business partners to improve efficiency and performance. You will communicate with stakeholders about capacity constraints and limitations at internal manufacturing locations, collaborating with facilities and suppliers to schedule production in alignment with sales activity—all while optimizing costs for the best possible outcome.If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for logistics and planning, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact**WHAT YOU’LL DO:***The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.** **Scheduling, Inventory, and Supply Planning:** You will ensure master scheduling, product replenishment, and inventory management metrics are met using planning software and departmental processes. You will identify action items, leverage resources, and follow up on supply planning issues to drive efficiency. You will own and manage the stock transport order (STO) lifecycle from creation to closure, ensuring seamless execution. Additionally, you will oversee and optimize inventory levels at distribution centers and plants by implementing stocking policies, seasonal builds, and coordinated storage strategies. You will support initiatives to decrease inventory alert levels and reduce inventory distress sales across assigned product categories, contributing to overall supply chain optimization.* **Raw Materials and Supplier Coordination:** You will be responsible for making strategic sourcing decisions, ensuring the optimal balance between internal and external raw material procurement. You will collaborate with both internal and external suppliers to guarantee timely deliveries and sufficient quantities that maximize plant production schedules. Additionally, you will execute freeze/thaw strategies across the network, creating supply buffers to effectively manage demand fluctuations and seasonality, ensuring continuous production efficiency.* **Capacity Planning and Production Optimization:** You will lead the enforcement and utilization of capacity planning models for assigned product categories, ensuring optimal resource allocation and production efficiency. You will also support and provide strategic direction regarding capacity availability and limitations for both existing and new production, enabling seamless operations and informed decision-making.* **Collaboration and Issue Resolution:** You will collaborate with upstream and downstream business partners to strengthen process opportunities and enhance operational effectiveness across the company. You will also take ownership of resolving key shortage issues, proactively identifying solutions and communicating them to upper management to ensure seamless supply chain operations.**WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:***To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.** Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management or related field and 2+ years of relevant experience in supply chain, operations, planning and inventory control or similar required or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.* Proficient in Excel & PowerPoint.* Works well under pressure with limited supervision and be able to make immediate value-based decisions.* Excellent written and verbal communication Skills.* Excellent project management skills.* Strong ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.* Strong organizational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.* Effectively interact with all levels of management.* Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.* Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.**OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:*** Experience in other areas of the supply chain such as purchasing, customer service, demand planning or logistics is a plus.* Consumer Packaged Goods Industry experience, preferred.* APICS certification preferred, CPIM or CSCP a plus.* Experience in planning software is a plus.* SAP experience a plus**PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:***The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.** Capable of sitting for extended periods of time.* Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.* Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms.* Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.* Able to travel as needed.* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The expected pay range for this position is $60,000 - $87,500 annually.*Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate’s qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package.* *Learn more about our benefits package here.*Relocation Package AvailableNo